Edelman Smithfield, the specialist Financial Services and Capital Markets practice within Edelman, today announces changes to its senior management. Iain Dey, MD, will be leaving the business and is replaced by Andy Wilde who Chairs Edelman’s financial services offering globally. Alex Simmons, EMEA Head of Capital Markets at Edelman, will become Executive Director at Edelman Smithfield, and John Kiely, who co-founded Smithfield before its acquisition by Edelman in 2015, continues as Chairman of Edelman Smithfield and its Corporate Affairs practice in the UK.
Since Edelman Smithfield was acquired, its revenues have more than doubled. Andy has overseen its work with financial institutions as well as retail financial brands and Alex has led the firm’s efforts in M&A and special situations. In 2020, Andy was named Global Chair of Financial Services, a role he retains, responsible for Edelman’s portfolio of FS clients across the globe. Edelman Smithfield represents investment management firms with combined assets under management of more than $20 trillion.
Hugh Taggart, Co-CEO, Edelman UK & Global Crisis Chair said: “We are thrilled that Andy will be taking over as Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield. In both Andy and Alex we have two incredibly accomplished and well-respected leaders and client advisors. As the firm continues its investment in its financial communications capabilities globally, having leadership who hold dual roles will allow us drive integration across our entire network and grow our client portfolio in both our domestic and global markets. We thank Iain for his hard work and commitment to growing the Edelman Smithfield business and wish him the best in his next role.”
Andy Wilde, Managing Director of Edelman Smithfield & Global Chair of Financial Services, said: “I’m excited to take on the responsibility of continuing to grow Edelman Smithfield, in partnership with Alex. It is a business with incredible momentum built around an exceptionally talented group of people. We have a market-leading position in financial services and are recognised for our work with some of the world’s most influential investors. I’m very confident that we will continue to grow in this space, building out our roster of both listed and unlisted clients.
Private markets investment and ESG consultancy are particularly strong growth areas for us but, with the global economic picture brightening, banks, insurers, asset managers and fintechs all want to communicate their market opportunity and our specialist team offers a depth of expertise and a range of skills which I believe stands apart in our industry.”
Alex Simmons, Executive Director of Edelman Smithfield, and Head of Capital Markets, EMEA, said:
“Andy and I have worked in close collaboration for over a decade, and I am looking forward to delivering the next phase of Edelman Smithfield’s growth with him. Our business is in great shape going into 2022. We have a fantastic team and leverage the expertise available across the Edelman network to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Our Capital Markets team has a strong track record of advising on a wide range of high-profile and complex situations across the public and private markets, from M&A, fundraising and listings, to restructuring, shareholder activism and litigation. We see significant opportunities and are hiring at all levels to build our capabilities in this area further.”